Which aspect of society did feminist movements strive to change in the late 19th century?

Feminist movements in the late 19th century primarily focused on changing property laws concerning gender, as these laws often severely restricted women's rights and autonomy. Before reforms, many laws treated married women as legally non-existent entities in terms of property ownership, meaning that any property they inherited or earned would automatically become the property of their husbands. This lack of legal standing in property matters limited women's economic freedom and independence.

As women began organizing and advocating for their rights, one of their key goals was to secure legal reforms that would allow them to own and control property in their own names. This was seen as foundational to achieving broader social equality and autonomy. By addressing issues like property rights, feminists aimed to build a stronger societal foundation for further advancements in rights related to marriage, education, and employment.

While taxation policies, marriage traditions, and educational curriculum were also important issues that feminist movements engaged with over time, in the late 19th century, the focus on property laws was particularly critical in establishing the legal and economic basis for women's rights.